The ABG results of a donor show metabolic acidosis. What are the key indicators for this condition?

The ABG results of a donor show metabolic acidosis. What are the key indicators for this condition?

• A. pH 7.24, HCO3 13
• B. PaCO2 35, SaO2 97
• C. pH 7.40, PAO2 87
• D. HCO3 20, pH 7.35

Answer: (A)

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate. The key indicators of this condition include decreased pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. In the provided choices, the combination of a pH of 7.24 and HCO3 of 13 is indicative of metabolic acidosis. A normal pH range is typically between 7.35 and 7.45, and a normal bicarbonate level is around 22-26 mEq/L. The pH of 7.24 indicates acidity, while an HCO3 level of 13 suggests significant bicarbonate depletion, both of which are consistent with metabolic acidosis. The other choices do not present the same indicators of metabolic acidosis. For instance, the second option shows a pH of 7.40, which falls within normal limits, and thus does not indicate acidosis. The third option exhibits a normal pH of 7.40 and a normal partial pressure of oxygen (PAO2), further suggesting no acidosis. The fourth option shows a pH of 7.35, which is at the lower end of normal but not sufficiently low to confirm metabolic

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate. The key indicators of this condition include decreased pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels.

In the provided choices, the combination of a pH of 7.24 and HCO3 of 13 is indicative of metabolic acidosis. A normal pH range is typically between 7.35 and 7.45, and a normal bicarbonate level is around 22-26 mEq/L. The pH of 7.24 indicates acidity, while an HCO3 level of 13 suggests significant bicarbonate depletion, both of which are consistent with metabolic acidosis.

The other choices do not present the same indicators of metabolic acidosis. For instance, the second option shows a pH of 7.40, which falls within normal limits, and thus does not indicate acidosis. The third option exhibits a normal pH of 7.40 and a normal partial pressure of oxygen (PAO2), further suggesting no acidosis. The fourth option shows a pH of 7.35, which is at the lower end of normal but not sufficiently low to confirm metabolic